In-depth exploration of mechanism and energy balance characteristics of an advanced continuous microwave pyrolysis coupled with carbon dioxide reforming technology to generate high-quality syngas

Abstract

This study firstly coupled advanced continuous microwave pyrolysis with CO₂ reforming technology to recover syngas from cow manure and CO₂. The contribution of CO₂ to syngas, pyrolysis mechanism, and energy balance characteristics were analyzed thoroughly. The results showed that continuous microwave pyrolysis coupled with CO₂ reforming technology has superiorities over other pyrolysis methods in bio-gas generation. The bio-gas yield, syngas content, and heating value of syngas reached the maximum value of 71.02 wt%, 85.70 vol%, and 10.87 MJ/Nm³, respectively. CO₂ strengthened pyrolysis and reacted with pyrolysis products to produce high-quality syngas and reduce H₂S. Due to the limited substances that can react with CO₂ and excessive energy consumption with increasing CO₂ concentration, the utilization efficiencies of CO₂ and energy decreased from 36.31% and 27.27% to 31.16% and 24.24%, respectively. This work provides basic theory and technical support for advanced technology to recover high-quality syngas from biomass with low energy consumption.

Keywords: CO(2) reforming; Continuous microwave pyrolysis; Energy balance; Pyrolysis mechanism; Syngas.